Ground Handling Station Manager (Expatriate) – Central Africa
Exclusive Search Managed by GOOSE
Location: Central Africa with National oversight across multiple stations
Rotation: 12 Weeks On / 3 Weeks Off
Ideal Candidate: Expatriate Assignment
The Opportunity
GOOSE Recruitment is exclusively supporting a confidential aviation operator in the Central Africa region with the appointment of an experienced Ground Operations Manager.
This is a senior operational leadership role for an individual with deep expertise in ground operations, load control, ramp safety, and multi-station oversight. The successful candidate will play a critical role in enhancing operational standards, strengthening safety culture, and developing local capability across a nationally distributed aviation network.
The position requires a hands-on leader who can operate effectively in a dynamic environment while delivering measurable improvements in safety, compliance, operational efficiency, and workforce performance.
Key Responsibilities
Safety & Load Control (Primary Focus)
Conduct detailed ramp and loading audits to ensure correct restraint, securing, and load distribution
Oversee Weight & Balance processes to maintain regulatory compliance, flight safety, and operational efficiency
Identify operational inconsistencies across stations and implement corrective actions
Ensure full compliance with airside safety standards and Safety Management System (SMS) procedures
Drive continuous improvement in ramp safety and operational discipline
Turnaround & Ground Operations
Coordinate all ground handling functions including fuelling, catering, cleaning, and ramp handling to support on-time performance
Monitor the condition, usage, and preventive maintenance of Ground Support Equipment (GSE)
Support operational resilience across multiple stations within the national network
Leadership & Capability Development
Mentor and train local operational teams across ramp, load control, and traffic operations
Develop supervisory and middle-management capability within the operation
Promote a strong safety-first culture and professional operational standards
Governance & Standardisation
Implement and audit standardised ground operations procedures across all locations
Ensure alignment with industry standards including GOM and IGOM frameworks
Support cost control initiatives through improved operational autonomy and efficiency
Required Background
Qualifications & Experience
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Airport Management, Transport, Logistics, or a related discipline
Minimum 10 years’ experience in ground operations within a complex or multi-station aviation environment
Proven leadership experience managing ground personnel, safety systems, and operational equipment
Strong operational understanding of airport ground handling and ramp management
Required Certifications (Current)
IATA Load Control (Advanced)
IATA DGR Category 6
IATA SMS
IATA IGOM
Technical Expertise
Strong knowledge of Ground Support Equipment including:
Pushback equipment
GPUs
Traction units
Ramp handling equipment
Excellent understanding of Weight & Balance procedures and airside safety compliance
Expatriate Package
Competitive net salary paid in USD
12 weeks on / 3 weeks off rotation
Return flights included
Secure, high-standard accommodation provided
Company vehicle
Local medical insurance
Medical evacuation and repatriation cover
Apply
This search is being managed exclusively by GOOSE Recruitment on behalf of a confidential aviation client.
Professionals with the required operational leadership background and current aviation certifications are encouraged to apply confidentially through GOOSE Recruitment Careers.